Marvin Andrews has challenged Rangers to remind Hearts who the Scottish champions are this weekend.
But the Ibrox defender insists there is no reason to push the panic button if they do fall 11 points behind Hearts in their defence of the title.
Hearts have won their opening seven games of the Bank of Scotland Premier League campaign and are unlikely league leaders, while Rangers have been inconsistent and battled to a 5-2 extra-time win over Clyde in the CIS Insurance Cup on Tuesday night.
"We know they are coming to prove something against the mighty Rangers so we have a responsibility on our shoulders to play like Rangers," the Trinidadian defender said.
"We didn't really do that against Clyde and we didn't show what Rangers are all about.
"We just have to put that behind us and look forward to the game on Saturday. (The Clyde game) shows we need to concentrate all the time."
Andrews believes the manner of Rangers' last-ditch title success last season means there should be no panic even if Hearts stretch their advantage at the top.
He said: "It's very important that we don't go 11 points behind Hearts but, if it happens, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world.
"It's never over until it's over, and last season proved that.
"Everyone is talking as though it's a do-or-die game and it's only the eighth game of the season!
"At this moment Hearts are doing really well, they are top of the league, and I am happy for them.
"We need to go there, work hard and give the best performance that we can and the result will take care of itself.
"For me, no matter what happens on Saturday, I am just going to keep believing."
Andrews may find himself back on the bench at Tynecastle with boss Alex McLeish likely to revert to the Julien Rodriguez/ Soto Kyrgiakos partnership at the back.
The former Livingston man has already vowed to fight for his place, but the fans reaction again during the Clyde match shows he has their backing.
"The reaction I have had from the crowd in the last two games has been superb," added the defender. "They have been like that since I came here and they give me the confidence to play for the jersey every time I put it on."